Oscar Micheaux Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Oscar Micheaux Dam, also known as Leonard Ziesler No.
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Summary
2, is a privately owned earth dam located in Gregory, South Dakota along Squaw Creek. Completed in 1974, this dam stands at 40 feet high with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a length of 580 feet. It has a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 417 acre-feet, serving as a low hazard potential structure.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Oscar Micheaux Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While it is not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water resource management in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 6,200 cubic feet per second, this dam helps protect downstream areas from potential flooding events.
Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, Oscar Micheaux Dam remains a vital piece of infrastructure for the local community. Its construction has provided valuable water storage capabilities and flood protection, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
SQUAW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1650cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Oscar Micheaux Dam